Finance Technician I

Contract

This is a G-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-6 contracts.

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This is a requisition for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department of Financial Resources Management (FRM) oversees the financial transactions of the Organization by establishing the accounting policies and procedures, in accordance with PAHO’s Financial Regulations and Rules; processes the disbursements of funds; prepares the financial statements of the Organization; monitors the inflow of funding and utilization of these resources; is responsible for investments and banking, financial analysis, the monitoring of the cost centers’ financial administration; payroll, pension, taxes, Staff Health Insurance, and the processes and systems involved with FRM’s area of responsibility.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Advisor, Accounting Operations and Statutory Reporting (FRM/AR) and the direct supervision of the Finance Specialist, (FRM/AR), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Perform a wide range of financial transactions within the Accounting Unit (FRM/AR), which includes PAHO Accounts, WHO Accounts and Procurement Funds; process, review, amend and monitor financial and budgetary transactions in assigned business processes in accordance with established policy, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), job aids and agreements; record and validate information and financial data;
2. Process and audit receipts, collections and payments to/from vendors, employees, or Member States: process salaries, awards, grants, sponsors, entitlements, claims, taxes, pensions, or expense reports, etc. according to established procedures. Review, process and amend budget operations, pre-obligations and obligations. Scrutinize source documents for completeness, accuracy and validity; analyze and monitor costs, revenue, journal sources and expense items; prepare bulk data for upload using Enterprise Interface Builders (EIBs);
3. Analyze and reconcile ledger accounts, funds, bank accounts, awards assigned and ensure necessary corrections or adjustments are made; record journal entries, as needed and ensure proper clearance procedures;
4. Assist and guide staff, vendors and customers in areas of work assigned; draft routine or advanced reports and correspondence; monitor the team mailbox and ensure timely response to incoming messages; prepare responses to the queries received through Service Request System (SRS);
5. Generate, review, and assist in the creation, validation and maintenance of custom financial reports, consolidating data from different sources; prepare and send reports and worksheets;
6. Research, analyze and resolve accounting problems in consultation with supervisors, finance specialists, technical units, and country offices, as needed; investigate erroneous charges and take corrective actions;
7. Prepare, approve or certify disbursements up to designated authorized level and/or establish awards and/or perform procurement processes, as required;
8. Prepare and maintain SOPs and Job Aids for assigned functions;
9. Participate in periodic testing of system updates and configuration changes;
10. Contribute to the monthly and annual closing process and annual financial statements, including the review of schedules and notes;
11. Train other staff and cover assignments in the absence of team members, as required;
12. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

Essential: Certificate of completion of high school.

Desirable: Specialized training at the college, university or business school level with emphasis on accounting and/or finance would be an asset.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO, only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/ and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience****:

Essential: Six years of experience in accounting and/or finance work, or four years of experience in accounting and/or finance work, and one year of college or university level training towards a declared major/minor in the area of accounting or finance, or two years of experience in accounting and/or finance work, and two years of specialized training at the college, university, or business school level in accounting and/or finance.

Desirable: Experience working with Workday Financial Management Modules and/or with IPSAS would be an asset.

SKILLS****:

PAHO Competencies:

• Overall attitude at work****: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
• Teamwork****: Collaborate and cooperate with other/Deal effectively with conflict - Creates team spirit; promotes collaboration and open communication in the team; proactively supports others; welcomes team responsibilities and drives team results; promotes knowledge sharing in the team. Proactively identifies conflicts and facilitates their resolution in a respectful manner; tactfully resolves conflicts between or with others and takes action to reduce any possible tension; effectively builds a rapport with individuals and teams, establishing good personal and professional relationships, as well as minimizing risk of potential conflict.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences****: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
• Communication****: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Listen/Write effectively/Share knowledge - Foresees communication needs of audience and targets message accordingly. Facilitates open communication; encourages others to share their views openly and takes time to understand and consider their views. Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures. Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.
• Knowing and Managing Yourself****: Remain productive/Continuously learn - Remains objective and focused even in a “changing and moving” environment; continues to display positive behavior when facing some constraints; keeps challenges in perspective. Seeks all relevant information for decision making from a wide range of sources; quickly learns new competencies and skills that expand role capability; shows rapid understanding of new and/or complex information relevant to job.
• Producing results****: Work efficiently and independently/ Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Prioritizes work, monitors own progress against objectives and adapts plans as required; communicates adjustments as necessary. Acts proactively and stimulates action as needed; handles problems effectively and constructively. Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own time lines effectively and efficiently. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.

Technical Expertise:

• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices, with the ability to analyze financial and personnel data, apply rules and regulations and determine required accounting calculations and transactions.
• Knowledge of financial operations and systems; proficiency in the use of automated financial accounting systems;
• Ability to write/originate routine and non-routine correspondence and reports in English and Spanish.
• Skills in planning, organizing, evaluating, problem-solving and decision-making of routine office management processes.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and carry out financial/accounting processes, such as: monitoring budget and accounting activities, developing operational standards and procedures manuals, determining priorities, adjusting or identifying new internal procedures, etc.
• Ability to maintain databases, input data, and prepare reports and documentation including special charts, graphics, and other features.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English and Spanish.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary****: (Net of taxes)

USD $53,164.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Local Recruitment)

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level****.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

A written test may be used as a form of screening.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org

PAHO/WHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

PAHO/WHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.

PAHO/WHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.

PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity. PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

PAHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan, and health insurance scheme.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

Administrative/support positions in Washington, D.C. are open to Washington, D.C. metropolitan area residents only. Candidates must be U.S. Citizens or hold a Permanent Resident Alien card (Green Card).

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post. The post description is the official documentation for organizational purposes.